the debates over the economy. guest: it is about as fractious as it could be. washington is a divided city. the fiscal cliff -- i believe both sides know what to do. it is going to be painful. either raise taxes or cut spending. both need to be done. our taxes are going to go up. some good programs will be cut automatically on january 1 if they do not come up with an agreement. that was designed by the politicians to deal with the fiscal problems. it reminds me of the old "national lampoon" comfort that if you don't buy this magazine, we will shoot this dog. save us from ourselves or help us save us from ourselves. it didn't work. they have about a week to go. i suspect they will kick the can down the road. a short-term way to get is passed the immediate collapse of what is stalling certain cuts. maybe unemployment benefits, that kind of thing. i think there will give a short- term answer. host: a lot of headlines are about the republicans and their caucus. what about democrats? are they at fault as well? "we do not want medicare to be touched." the democrats s